UMN Crookston - Director of Human Resources

The University of Minnesota Crookston (UMN Crookston) welcomes applications and nominations for the position of Director of Human Resources (Job 9351GT) to begin September 15, 2025 or as soon thereafter as possible. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the director of HR works closely with the Chancellor and Sr. Vice Chancellor, academic administrators and program directors, supervisors, faculty, and other university employees. The director additionally works with consultants and administrators on the Twin Cities campus, union and civil service representatives, and multiple campus vendors. The director is responsible for managing the work of UMN Crookston's human resource functions including arranging for the provision of services relating to diversity and inclusion, recruitment, orientation, reassignment, promotion, termination, layoff, compensation administration, processing of grievances, employee/union relations, employee benefits, compliance with human resource policies, and supervision of human resource support staff. The director additionally provides consultation using analytical and technical skills, and oversees the professional development of faculty and staff.

This position is in-person on the UMN Crookston Campus in Crookston, MN. The salary for this position is $92,000 - $115,000 annually. Relocation assistance is offered. Both a resume and cover letter are required for consideration. The priority application deadline is July 18, 2025.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide guidance and oversight of employee lifecycle activities, including but not limited to: recruitment, hiring, on-boarding, off-boarding, benefits, and compensation.
• Develop appropriate systems to direct, coordinate, and supervise all human resource functions/activities affecting faculty, professional and administrative staff, civil service, and bargaining unit employees
• Work closely with the Office of Academic Affairs to facilitate advertising, screening, and selection of faculty; participate in negotiating the University Education Association-Crookston (UEA) contract; serve on the meet and confer committee; and participate in grievance proceedings/contract interpretation
• Facilitate the development of a campus employment culture that recognizes, affirms, and helps all employees draw upon cultural, communal, and identity-based ways of knowing, being, and doing to achieve performance outcomes.
• Serve as internal consultant and resource to supervisors to promote a diverse and talented workforce. Ensure EEO/AA and ADA policies are followed in hiring, promotion and employment practices.
• Interpret civil service rules, negotiated bargaining agreements, professional and administrative policies, employment law, and government regulations.
• Coordinate compensation policies, job classification processes, job reclassification, and disciplinary action processes in consultation with the Office of Human Resources in the Twin Cities.
• Function as a resource person to search committees to provide or arrange for training, including implicit bias training, to committee members and advising search committees
• Develop and lead talent management functions such as succession planning, supervisor training, and performance management.
• Facilitate and encourage participation by personnel in professional development programs and opportunities to increase skills, knowledge base, and competencies.
• Perform employee relation functions such as coordinate the grievance process and serve on labor management committees.
• Assist employees with questions regarding retirement, health benefits, dental benefits, disability insurance, life insurance, pre-tax deductions, and other employee benefits, and refer to University of Minnesota Employee Benefits as needed.
• Serve as HRMS Key Contact person for the UMN Crookston campus
• Serve as Designated Key Administrator (DKA) for the UMN Crookston campus regarding financial and operational misconduct.
• Perform committee and work group assignments as assigned by the Director of Finance
• Actively engage campus, local, and regional communities and stakeholders as an agent and representative of the University.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned bachelor's degree in human resources or related field plus six years of professional human resource work experience.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in management, human resource management, business management or related field.
• Six years of professional experience directing human resource functions in a government or educational institution.
• Experience facilitating training programs and/or directing workshops.
• Excellent interpersonal, teambuilding and communication skills.
  

The University of Minnesota Crookston
UMN Crookston is dedicated to high-quality equitable and inclusive education as well as to its access mission as a land-grant university. With an enrollment of more than 700 on-campus students and nearly 1,100 online students, UMN Crookston serves the highest proportions of first generation, Pell-eligible, and adult learner populations within the University of Minnesota system. Racial diversity within the student body is growing, and UMN Crookston is also committed to further diversifying its faculty and student affairs educators. As a part of its commitment to comprehensive equity and inclusion, UMN Crookston prides itself as a leading educational provider for college students from rural communities.

Living in Crookston
The University of Minnesota Crookston is located in northwest Minnesota. The city of Crookston (population 7,268) is located on the Red Lake River and is just 30 miles from Maple Lake and the western front of Minnesota's "lake country." Crookston has been ranked as one of Minnesota's safest and most affordable cities, and is home to a strong school system, a local golf course, and numerous parks, wildlife, and natural history sites. Spring, summer, and fall seasons in Crookston are idyllic, and while the winter season can be long, it can also be beautiful. The local community makes the most of the season with indoor and winter recreation opportunities. Crookston's racial and ethnic diversity has increased significantly over the past 20 years. Within the Crookston school district, two-thirds of students are now students of color and well over 20% Latinx. Crookston is just 30 miles from Grand Forks, N.D. (population 59,000) and 70 miles from Fargo/Moorhead (population 178,000), each home to national airports.

Pay Range: $92,000.00 - $115,000.00 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Application materials must include a current resume (or curriculum vitae) and a cover letter. The cover letter should address both the minimum and preferred qualifications and include specific examples that demonstrate the candidate's ability to promote equity and inclusion, particularly in the context of a small campus in a rural context.

Both a resume and cover letter are required. The priority application deadline is July 18, 2025

To inquire further about this position, contact Tricia Sanders, CFO/Director of Finance email at sand0803@crk.umn.edu or by phone at (281) 281-8326.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC)

With a strong tradition of technology-enhanced teaching and learning, the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) serves as the U's major outpost in Northwest Minnesota. UMC provides both experiential, career-oriented degree programs as well as high-quality online programs, while connecting its teaching, research, and outreach to rural economic development and service to the region and beyond.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).